Kaito always knew how to get me in trouble. That was apparent the first time I met him and he confidently stated that pulling on a succubus' tail was their way of saying hello. I pulled. Yesinia whipped around quickly ready to throttle me. I only managed to avoid an incident by complimenting the shade of the barbed appendage. The clever cleric of Neutrality was as intelligent as he was impish and he had a tendency of loose lips.
And now, he'd abandoned me to the wolves after dropping the biggest bomb in our secretive artillery: I was not human. He even had the nerve to blithely wink at me and saunter out leaving the aftermath to me.
Botan placed her hands in her lap avoiding my gaze; however, Kurama ardently peeked at me as he crossed his arms. He wasn't shocked or even vaguely surprised and he expectantly lingered. Kaito only confirmed something he already knew.
I fiddled with the handle of the ceramic mug left behind Kaito's wake and ran my nail past a chip in the black glaze repeatedly. I gazed upward at the glimmering tails of dust that winded after every pixies path. I realized I was indeed an idiot. I brought Botan and Kurama to The Hollow, full of supernaturals and their supernatural regulations. It was brimming with the signs despite my failed attempt at covertness.
And why? I was eager to throw myself headlong into the first case and even more eager to get the fuck out of that temple. Within ten minutes, I had managed to antagonize the very people that were employed to watch out for my well-being. In another five, I'd found myself in a well-deserved shouting match with Urameshi that would almost come to blows. Spats between Urameshi and I were fairly common more than a year ago, but never had bickering prompted anything more threatening than a noogie.
Before any of that, I had the startling realization that I had become sheltered under the care of other supes. I was out of my element, and notorious for running away from my problems. Unwittingly, I ran to the location that gave me comfort.
I all but vocally admitted it to them myself. Kaito simply broke the ice.
However, Kurama was wary of stepping through the threshold, and his suspicions began far before he entered the The Hollow.
Was it when I asked Octavius to bind them? Or that I could see the shanty when they couldn't? No, that was easily explained by the binding. Silently, I resigned myself to just asking.
"When was the very first instance…that you knew?" Feigning composure, I leaned into my chair and folded my leg above my thigh so my ankle rested atop my knee.
Botan peeked at me then Kurama, her worrisome magenta met calculating viridian. I certainly didn't like that exchange and braced myself.
"When you touched me. Your hand was entirely too cold to be human." He spoke coolly. He crossed his legs under the table and he thumbed his lip in thought.
Fucking duh, Yoko. The simplest of things would be my unraveling. His suspicions had nothing to do with the binding. But with that tiny error, the evidence against me would begin to pile. Internally, I began to feebly retrace my steps to exactly pinpoint where I miscalculated, but to by growing discontent Kurama proceeded.
"Then, Yesinia, foregoed speaking with me and addressed you first, alluding to your rank in the hierarchy. Kaito neatly settled that matter when he intervened making the chain of command clear." Now, that thin smile that curled his lips finally reached his eyes and formed an ever-so-triumphant glint.
I was afforded privileges in the waystation that weren't granted to humans, like indenturing people. It wouldn't make sense for Yesinia to ask permission of a human to….do anything
I smiled cheerlessly. Kaito didn't help matters by addressing them as property either.
"I'm making assumptions, but I gather humans do not wave the influence you can in an establishment such as this." He said. He reached up and traced the outline of a waxy leaf from vine cordons that thickly hung low from the buttresses like he was greeting an old friend.
What-a-perceptive-windbag. I only wished I had the foresight to avoid The Hollow entirely and save myself any further secret unraveling for the day. Despite the verbal uppercut Kurama had just laid on me, I wasn't feeling combative. After making a complete jerk of myself at the temple and dealing with Kaito's brand of humo, my emotional reserves were tapped.
"No, it's not possible." I conceded. "My strange appetite was just the cherry on top." I prodded the pile of brain on my plate; it had hardened into a dense, cold mass.
"Did you plan on telling anyone?" Botan asked concerned. Her head had popped up from the intense focus on her hands and her pointed index finger swung in my direction. For a millisecond her concern seemed directed at me, but it was just lightly concealed accusation towards the creature they had allowed in their midst. At least, I think it was.
"Yes, with time." I retaliated and my eyes fluttered shut, so she couldn't see my irritation. There was a contingency plan that I had full intended to use to tell Kuwabara I was a supernatural. Or dhampir, to be exact. "However, I had planned to tell Kuwabara first and Kurama's observatory skills have significantly expedited my planning." I said honestly.
Now I had to tell Kuwabara, tonight. I doubt Kurama would give me enough leniency before he told the others.
"Why would you tell Kuwabara first?" Surprised, her lips parted slightly and pixies swam down attempting to chuck bits of cheese into her mouth. Botan swatted at the pixies and they responded in shrill, irregular giggling.
"Personal, selfish reasons. He's my best friend." I shrugged.
"You asked Botan about her origins earlier, but didn't inquire about mine. So, how did you know I was a demon?" Kurama said knowingly and his lips curled into a smirk.
Ah, right. While I was at the temple earlier, there was so much drama and progress occurring that I had made the connection without addressing it. With Yusuke it was a little different, I had known him as a human when I was human, and part of me wanted to believe he was still human if only to nurse my own feelings. It stung being left out of a huge part of Kuwabara's life of demon adventures when I had all but told him every facet of my turbulent life. There was entire part of him that I knew nothing about and that chilled me.
I supposed he wasn't privy to disclose any of that information, nor did I blame him. Still, that small inkling of doubt wormed its way into me as I watched a roomful of not-humans coexist so familiarly in the same space as my best friend.
However, there was no mistaking after listening to the room in that temple. The dull, slow thrum of beats coming from Yusuke, Kurama, and Hiei's chest seemed to mock the incessant, anxious beating of Botan and Kuwabara's hearts. Still, there was something especially odd about the grim reaperess. Botan was masquerading in a human's body, but her cerulean blue hair down to the root made her appear otherworldly. She was the only mystery among the group due to her hair and bright magenta eyes. I suppose Genkai was a mystery too, but in her own way.
Kurama knew my omission of inquiry towards him was because I already knew. He was definitely, annoyingly perceptive.
"I heard your heartbeat. Four beats per minute." I snatched the beer that was left untouched in front of Kurama. Twice, I had seen his eyes wide in shock today. I was on a role. He stared in disbelief.
What he didn't realize was that I heard the slow rate of beating through the bathroom door at the temple while I voraciously ate jerky. And he would never know.
From my peripheral, I recognized a black shape levitating in the air. It unfurled in to a small bipedal feline with a bow neatly tied to its neck.
That can't be good.
First, the small feline floated to the bar and spoke to Lucas. It waved its tiny paws and papers manifested in Lucas' hands; he gaped in response. To my dismay, it drifted over to me.
"Mrs. Nakajima, your presence is required in the Hara complex by midnight." The same papers manifested for me in similar format and I gripped the parchment between my fingers. My talk with Kuwabara would have to wait.
"Aww, what a cutie!" Botan stretched to pat the small supes head and her face perfectly switched from worry to adoration, but I flicked her fingers.
"That's a Cat Sith. Fey that used to steal souls." I studied the parchment then waved away the small fairy. The black cat whined at being shooed and disintegrated with a 'pop.'
Botan retracted her fingers with a grimace. Kurama pointed to the parchment clasped between my fingers.
"It's a summons. I've been served." With a groan, I stood from the table. Several supernaturals stared smugly at my direction. It was the first time seeing their own justicar personally called for a hearing and I suspected that many of them anticipated my eventual summons. Under the guidelines of my title, I had killed a cyclops and killing other supes was taboo as the number that existed dwindled over the centuries. However, because of my fortuitous job and closeness with the Haras I had not received any backlash.
I waved my summons at Lucas like a badge of honor and strode to the door of The Hollow giving little notice to my guests and they hurriedly followed me.
"Where are you going?" Kurama called after me after I winded my way down the alleyways and strode down the downtown pavilion. An old brick monstrosity that functioned as a bazaar stood at the center dubbed the 'The Market House' by a stone plaque hung underneath it's wings. I walked under it and temporarily away from the eyes of night goers.
"To my faction house." I slowed my gait and the ferry girl caught up. Botan jogged up the stone steps and she sagged down placing her hands on her knees to catch her breath.
Through pants she asked, "Does it have to be now? I need to report to Koenma."
I grabbed one of the navy compacts in my pocket and tossed it to her unceremoniously. She fumbled with it, but caught it. I felt somewhat guilty for snatching it from her, but it would prompt unnecessary complications had the others interfered. One, they wouldn't even be able to find The Hollow let alone reach whatever incident was happening inside.
"Yes, it needs to be now. Otherwise…." Upon attending my hearing, whoever was decided to be my judge would dole out whatever they considered justice. Lateness only made the punishment severe and it was already some time past eleven. I turned and walked away increasing my pace.
"Botan, I suggest you update Koenma. I'll accompany Nakajima." Kurama said. I peeked over my shoulder and Botan was already mounting her oar and without any need for propulsion darted up and out of sight. Kurama closed the distance between us and matched my quickened gait with the strides of his long legs.
"You don't have to go with me." I said as I burrowed into my pocket. I found my phone and texted Miki. She had already messaged me with, 'On my way.' Notices of all hearings went through her father first, and I was certain he told Miki if she had already texted me five minutes ago.
"Need I remind you? Dr. Harada has certain machinations for your soul." He chided. His head swerved towards me skeptically as if I'd forgotten the entire reason we were stuck together in the first place.
Dr. Harada wasn't actually. He was looking for the end results of his hobby.
"Dedicated to the mission or just surveilling me?" Annoyed, I increased my pace. Now, was not the time to keep an eye on me. If anything, he should have gone back with Botan regardless of a ghoul creating doctor.
"Both, of course." He said matter-of–factly and his viridian eyes darkened.
"Because of a ghoul creating psycho or because Koenma told you to?" I blurted out then sighed.
It seemed like something Koenma and Kurama would do. It was too hopeful to be easily handed the same privileges as one of Koenma's detectives. I already figured that I would just be a pass to matters supernatural to be ogled at, but it didn't make me feel any better and I deeply regretted bringing Botan and Kurama to The Hollow. I allowed them to ogle.
Kurama said nothing and continued walking beside me. I recognized the familiar nose of a black Cadillac peer over a street corner and waved Miki over. The engine groaned to a pause beside us and a tinted window rolled down.
"Need a ride?" Miki jokingly said. Through the driver's window, I recognized a haltered deep garnet dress that Miki only wore when she was trying to impress. She must have heard Lucas was coming to the Hara house as well.
"You're a lifesaver, Miki." I hopped into the shotgun side and shut the door beside me.
"Oof, choice of words." True, I wasn't alive anymore. Miki liked to remind me I was supernatural now.
"Get in, Kurama. You're either in or your out." I didn't enjoy that he was keeping a watch on me, but I wouldn't abandon him on the side of the road either. I now had my own 'honor code' after spending so much time with Kazuma.
He slid into the back seat and shut the door behind them. Miki peeled off and the colors of downtown drifted by as she sped down the road.
As the gates of the Hara complex came into view, my stomach flipped. The gates were already open meaning my arrival was expected. Miki slowed to a stop just outside the gate and turned in her seat to address Kurama for the first time since he entered the vehicle.
"You wait outside the gate." She shooed him as if he was some dog that wasn't allowed on the furniture.
"I beg your pardon?" Kurama spoke, but he wasn't offended. His eyes just settled to a mildly amused expression.
"You. Out." Miki pressed on. "I will toss you out of this car if I have to."
"And why must I leave?" Kurama leaned forward to observe the gates just beyond the hood of the vehicle.
"Because you and your friend are the reason she's in so deep. If you go strolling in with us, it will look bad. And today is not the day, demon." Miki delivered the last word with such distaste that I twisted in my seat to look between them.
I never heard my usually lax friend become cross. Just this morning she was friendly with him, but that was this morning when she thought he was human. Kaito's loose lips were at play again and he must have informed his sister at some point today. Now, that he was a confirmed demon she looked at him with caustic disgust rather than the fascinated gaze she had this morning. Perhaps, it had to do with whatever was waiting for me inside and not the fact that he was a demon. I didn't want to assume Miki could be prejudiced.
"Kurama's reminded me that the reason he's following me is due to Dr. Harada. I agreed to have Koenma's detectives around me and I'm sure Kurama has his orders as well." I tapped my fingers on the center console while I studied his face.
I was unsure if Mr. Hara knew that Koenma had told Kurama to keep watch on me, but he was definitely aware of the original reason of this makeshift alliance. Surround me with agents: eventually, catch the doctor. Simple. So, who was inside that would be averse to me appearing beside a demon? I needed to know, if only to make ripples in the supernatural community.
"I'll let him decide whether he wants to enter. But know, that once inside there's no turning back. And you're," I leaned between the two seats and focused on all the demon peculiarities of his gleaming viridian eyes so I could read him, "my responsibility just as much as I am yours."
There was a glint of understanding in those pools of green.
"You say nothing, do nothing unless I give the okay. We just might make it out unscathed." I twisted back into my chair and mentally prepared myself for whatever was waiting at the end of the gravel road.
"Very well." He conceded and I felt his gaze bore into the back of my skull.
"You're both fucking crazy." Miki quickly turned around in her seat with a huff and hammered down the gas. We lurched forward and shook as we soared up the bumpy driveway leading to the complex. Time was of the essence.
The old Victorian was in view and I unfastened my seat belt. A 1949 Ford Coupe glinted a blood red under the triggered motion lights as we pulled up. I wasted no time bounding up the steps of the Hara manor and throwing open the door and heard Kurama's steps tapping the hardwood following close behind me. I passed Grelda who donned her brown vested maître d' uniform. She only wore that number when someone from another faction was here. My flipped stomach sunk as I ventured further into the recesses of the house.
She called after me in a gravelly voice.
"They're waiting in the grand parlor, Mrs. Nakajima."
"Thank you!" I waved over my shoulder and barreled through the ebony wood paneled and gold filigree wallpaper hallways that lined the area floor to ceiling. I stopped in front of the arched gabon ebony doors that sported decorations of rearing horses on each side and quickly smoothed down my hair before turning the cool golden handle.
Inside, Daisuke Hara was seated on a throne of plush black leather on a high wingback chair just to the left of a fireplace that was the focal point of the room. Kaito stood at the mantle of the fireplace leaning against the black marble column attached to it. My eyes found opaque irises and my stomach outright did bloody olympic-esque back flipping.
I found the reason why everyone was on edge. Seated on the other wingback was a statuesque dusty grey-skinned figure that was draped in an absolute black suit. His straight dark hair fell past discolored opaque eyes and hallowed cheeks and over his shoulders disappearing into the darkness of his attire. Though I had never met him in person, I knew the black and silver carbonado badge that was pinned to his lapel that labeled him as The Company's high inquisitor and the only lich wizard in the area. If I was the new Big Bad, this was the fucking supernatural boogeyman.
Carbonado badges were a sign of ferocious strength only worn by the oldest of supes in their faction. And they all kept malicious tenants upheld by the most traditionalist and archaic of minds. There was only one of those minds that took a fascination in evaluating the faults of supes through our judicial system.
For some yet unknown infraction, I was sent the most infamous of inquisitors. Suddenly, the thought of bringing my demon companion along stilled my tracks. Perhaps, it wasn't the best of ideas.
"Inquisitor Tallen, I hope I've not kept you waiting." I tilted my head with a simple nod. Kurama approached my flank from the left; though Daisuke was not surprised, I noticed Kaito look away from him with a vexed expression. Miki strode in and sat rigidly in a leather loveseat and her golden eyes fastened on the inquisitor.
At first, he didn't bother to look in my direction. He squinted at something unknown in the distance gaze hardening, but a sudden furor seemed to hemorrhage his features as if he had finally registered my words.
"I did not expect to be waiting." His hands rested on a black lacquered cane that seemed to anchor him to the floor. "It is a minute until the time, so sit." He barked at me.
Jolted into motion at being commanded, I acquiesced. I sat beside Miki, but made sure to keep Kurama in my peripheral. Like I requested, he did nothing and simply stood close to the entrance unmoving. Good. I didn't want there to be a small scandal just because a supposed human thought he could sit in the same circle as a high inquisitor. That would only further complicate matters.
The seconds that lulled by seemed like hours and I mimicked soft breathing to past the time. Though I could not benefit from the flow of oxygen, the ritual still seemed to calm my nerves.
"The committee of The Council of Judicators will begin." He striked the marble below with his cane like a gavel. All heads of the room swung in his direction. Daisuke wore the same annoyed look when matters were of the trifling variety.
"The Council is meeting to hear the defense of Yoko Nakajima who is accused of exposing this world to the eyes of the unhallowed, humans." Tallen's opaque eyes sharply stared in my direction. In supernatural hearings, you were guilty until proven innocent. In this old creature's eyes, I was guilty.
"I, as High Inquisitor, will be speaking on behalf of the CEO of The Company, Ignatius De Rege."
He motioned to his left and created a crimson spark between his fingers. In response, a shimmering portal of crimson blanketed the room in an ominous glow and the curvaceous figure of Yesinia, the succubus, in a tight blazer and pencil skirt stepped out.
"The Council now recognizes, Yesinia Romero, our newest Divisional manager for any statement she may have." He beckoned her forward and she preened in her new attire.
I felt my eyes darken and the familiar black clouds circled around my eyes, but I fought the anger and it dissipated. I may need to replay this moment in my head later. Yesinia had defected from Neutrality to The Company, of all places.
Daisuke and Kaito shared a knowing look, but Miki clutched the edge of the seat tightly. She had not known. Kurama remained at the door with his hands in his coat, but made no accusatory motion of acknowledgement. For that, I was grateful.
"Now, I will introduce our witnesses. The humans in question." From the portal that glowed angrily, a familiar pink and blue figure emerged. Botan stumbled into the room looking wild-eyed and stricken. Her eyes scoured the room and landed on Kurama who placed a finger to his lips to solicit her from speaking. She launched to his side and stood behind him, wary of the inhabitants in the room. Another search with her eyes and she found me staring apologetically in her direction.
How the hell did they catch her? She was flying on her oar to Koenma the last time I saw her. At this time, she should've been ratting me out to her boss. What happened?
"Begin, Yesinia." The high inquisitor's voice boomed as he gazed in Botan's and Kurama's direction.
"Of course, High Inquisitor." She said in a lilted voice and bowed her head before sashaying in front of the two witnesses. Her eyes roamed appreciatively over Kurama.
In the middle of my damn hearing, really Yesenia?
"I was at a quaint hole-in-the-wall known as The Hollow when these two humans walked in behind Nakajima, Neutrality's newest justicar." She turned and her dilated pupils regarded me dismissively. How dare she call The Hollow quaint. It may be a hole-in-the-wall, but it was still one of the oldest establishments that invited supernaturals of multiple factions to discuss differences over its raggedy tables.
"I asked if I could borrow him," She pointed to Kurama, "if only for a moment. I wanted to ascertain the origins that lead to his access. However, the eldest Hara child intervened." She stood in front of Botan and looked down at her through narrowed eyes.
Are you kidding me?! The stupid tart was just miffed she couldn't get into Kurama's pants.
"Then, as I was leaving, I found this one snooping around the entrance alone. She was holding some sort of map trying to mark the location of the tavern." She accused Botan and the ferry girl began to say something, but Kurama silenced her with a grip on her upper arm. He looked down at her in a reproachful manner. Betrayed, she gazed up at Kurama.
Oh, Botan, you idiot. She had doubled back to The Hollow. Perhaps, to tell Koenma the location in her report, but outsiders weren't allowed near The Hollow without an escort. Nor, was marking it on a map feasible. The winding alleys leading up to the shanty entrance was an enchantment that made it impossible to locate on paper. Only by entering the halls of the tavern, could you find it again, but Botan was misinformed, due to my part.
"I found it alarming!" Yesinia mock fretted, but her lips were curled into a mischievous smile.
"As we all should." Tallen spoke critically and gripped the apex of the cane and his angular knuckles of his slender hands imitated clutched claws. "Humans are strictly forbidden and according to our sources, Justicar Nakajima did not endure the necessary formalities to bring them into the fold."
I made no admission to his claims, nor did I look away from him as he accused me. It wouldn't aid any of us if I appeared guilty.
"I will allow a cross-examination of the witnesses. Know, humans, that should you lie I will know. And you do not want to lie." A thinly camouflaged threat escaped his lips, promising castigations relentless and ancient. Tallen leaned forward rigidly in his chair as he addressed Botan and Kurama.
Kurama glanced towards me questioningly and I shook my head softly. He looked back at Yesinia hopefully understanding my gesture. I didn't want him to answer a single question she posed. If he did, it would seem I had no reign on my guests and any words they uttered would be twisted against me. The Company rarely left a hearing without determining the defendant guilty.
Kurama's grip on Botan tightened as Yesinia questioned Botan.
"What was the purpose of carrying a map outside of a supernatural establishment?" Yesinia leaned forward caustically questioning Botan and her copper hair swung in front of her.
Botan just whimpered in response as the grip on her arm became tighter, but she didn't answer. Crabbed Yesinia moved onto Kurama.
"What is your relationship to Nakajima?" She crossed her arms in irritation. Kurama quietly met her questioning with a determined gaze and Yesinia stomped a heeled foot in irritation.
"Answer, human." Yesinia belittled.
"Enough, it seems they know their place." Tallen beckoned Yesinia over with an elongated arm and she trudged back obediently. "Perhaps they'll answer their master."
As he addressed me, I stood alert. Quickly, I reached into my mental file cabinet for any questions I could ask that would help me avoid the most severe of punishments. Then, I paused.
Oh.
Oh, there was one idea, but only if Kurama was willing to supply the information.
"The council will allow Justicar Nakajima to question the witnesses." Inquisitor Tallen's opaque eyes seemed to swirl dangerously. He sat upright and he tapped a black loafer against the bottom of the cane restlessly.
I strode over to Kurama and bit my lip nervously.
"When Yesinia approached us, what were her exact words?" I looked back at the succubus and all smugness left her face and was replaced with vitriol.
"She stated, 'I can ask your amiable sponsor to borrow you…for the night.'" He answered and parodied embarrassment as he did. However, he didn't seem to be the type to be easily discomforted by women approaching him. Hope burst anew as he played his role well. Sly bastard. We may just survive after all.
"At the time, I thought Mrs. Romero being a succubus and her reputation so renowned…I assumed she had asked me if she could couple with you…. There was little in her words that notified me of official Company business." I mulled over aloud and tapped a finger to my chin. "Although, if Yesenia says she wanted to question my guests, that could be possible, but not likely."
It was very rare to see a succubus' cheeks darken as they were so practiced in their hobbies. However, this reddening had nothing to do with sex.
"As for my guests," I stood in front of Kurama and prayed to whatever supernatural deity there was he would answer. I wouldn't force him to reveal the information, that would entirely be on him.
"Kurama, are you human?"
Kurama paused and he released his vice grip on Botan. She rubbed her arm in response. He shifted on his foot and leaned his weight into his heel as he crossed his arms. He hung his head and closed his lids as if calculating all the possibilities and avenues his answer may led to. After what seemed like an uncomfortable eon, he finally said-
"No, I am not."
At his response, relief flooded through me in warm waves that was alien in this cold body of mine.
"And Botan, is she human?" I continued and Botan's eyes widened and she began to form words in her mouth to gripe, but Kurama answered in her stead.
"No, she is not." He admitted and he nodded seeming to know where I was going.
"I doubt Octavius would allow either of them in as a trusted keeper…were they human." I used Octavius' name as a gatekeeper to all things supernatural. His job, first and foremost, was to disallow the entrance of humans, but there was nothing in the rules about demons or grim reapers.
"They were welcomed as guests." I turned to address the inquisitor, "I invited them in as guests. I would never invite a human in. It's strictly against the codes of Neutrality." I stated flatly and the inquisitor's eyes darted between myself and the two behind me. His brow rose and he languidly waved slender fingers in my direction.
"Demons," and he examined Botan critically, "and spirits have their own respective worlds in which they should remain. They should not be masquerading as humans. Why are they here?!" Tallen furiously questioned.
"As I stated, they are my guests. It is not The Company's business to criticize the questionable company I keep. And to my knowledge, there are no rules in place that deny access to demons and spirits to supernatural establishments." I said bluntly.
Daisuke seemed pleased. Probably because I hadn't indulged the inquisitor as to the real reason they were following me.
"That can be rectified." Tallen countered. "It seems this hearing has taken a turn. If we are not observing a hearing about the induction of humans, then let us resort to traditional ways."
He stood and adjusted the cane in his hands so that his palms tightly gripped the middle. Daisuke stood from his chair too and he stepped beside the inquisitor to head him off.
"If there is no hearing being observed then why should Yoko endure a trial." Daisuke glowered at the inquisitor, but he dismissed the comment with a wave of his cane.
"My, although we were notified of Nakajima's dubious origins, it seems you treat her as more than just a retainer of the house." Tallen stated curiously.
He already told them I was a dhampir. When?! Did we not decide this just yesterday?
In one part of my mind, I was grappling with the implications of Tallen's words and in the other trying to figure out how The Company knew so quickly. Daisuke's interference exhibited concern that most dhampirs were not afforded as outcasts in vampire homes being the offspring of affairs. I underestimated the rate at which news traveled in the world of supernaturals. And I was certain that after this affair was over, the entirety of The Company would know I kept demons and spirits around.
"Nakajima will undergo the trial to keep the balance, after all isn't that what the denizens of Neutrality claim to do? Many factions are expecting the cyclops killer to be ousted with the news of humans in the fold. However, demons and spirits, are not a better outcome." He closed the distance between us and the hairs on my neck stood as he reminded me of my previous indiscretion. I had only skirted away from that hearing because the inquisitor of The Order had found the incident to be in self-defense.
The threatening aura around Tallen was commanding and finite as he lowered his cane in front of him and placed both hands upon it. I saw putrid puce and bister blights in the discolored eyes that repugnantly squinted down at me.
"I am a fair inquisitor, I assure you. And it will keep the upper echelons silent. Or at least, complacent and you'll walk unharmed." His voice softened from the barking into a harsh, hoarse expel of breath.
Despite his claims, I doubted anything he did was for my benefit.
"Let's get this over with. I'm sure I've taken enough of your time." Signs of discontent at my short reply creased Tallen's ashen brows.
"Quite." He sharply replied.
"It seems what this family lacks…is restraint." He addressed Daisuke and the older vampire growled warningly in response. Tallen paid him no attention and continued.
"A dhampir born of unsanctified origins who would then upset the balance by inviting strangers in without the forbearance to notify her own father." His opaque eyes seemed to look through me and I tried not to struggle at the closeness as he leaned forward.
"This trial will be one of self-control. If she can endure it she will remain in Neutrality considered innocent. However, fail the trial and you will be inducted into The Company as guilty." He gratingly rapped the cane on the abused hardwood as he concluded the hearing.
So that was his idea of justice. If I failed I would be ridiculed and tortured under the banner of The Company. He was sure I would fail whatever trial he had in mind.
He lifted his fingers above my shoulder and crimson static sparks shot from his hand to the entrance of the parlor where they formed a barrier of arcane circles glowing vehemently behind me.
"This room will be locked to the justicar and her guests: They will remain here for exactly one day." Tallen spoke and the last of the static from his arm trailed to the entrance. "Should any sustenance or blood pass her lips in the next twenty-four hours, I will know it and she will fail. I will come to collect her when she does."
"You're certainly confident." Daisuke accused. He walked to the other side of the portal and it remained unaffected.
"I would not be High Inquisitor if I wasn't." He snarled. With that, he turned and walked to his own portal and disappeared. Yesinia dejectedly trailed after, but caught my glance and arrogantly curled her lips. She wanted me to fail, too.
"Don't fuck up Yesinia. The moment you do; I will be there." I threatened her and she flipped her hair over her slim shoulder in response and entered the portal. It swirled and dissipated into nothing after she left.
I saw Kurama's shoulders visibly slump and he buried his face in his hands. It seemed that the High Inquisitor's presence had make him anxious as well. Botan slumped to the floor and let out a sigh of relief.
"I'm glad that's over. Let's inform Koenma." And the oar materialized in her hands.
"You will not be going anywhere." Kaito walked passed Botan who was plopped on the floor unceremoniously. He turned to address her. "This barrier prevents you from leaving in the time allotted. As long as the trial is underway, you'll stay."
He crossed the barrier and joined his father who was inspecting the recipients of the trial like animals in an enclosure. "Miki." He called the other Hara sibling.
"Coming." She had remained completely silent during the entire exchange, but she appeared calm now that The Company followers had left. She walked to me first, before complying to her father's call.
"Give me." She opened her an outstretched hand and I placed the bag of jerky in her palm.
"I know you won't, but it's just a precaution." She hugged me tightly and walked past the barrier and out of view with her father in tow. My nearly bloodless heart tugged as I watched her leave.
Kaito paused at the door looking down at his hands regretfully before disappearing out of sight too.
What was that about?
"How long can you last without food?" Kurama walked to the loveseat and leaned into it, his arms and legs crossed. It took no time for Kurama to piece together my particular vice.
"We're about to find out." I apprehensively responded.
Notes: Wow, okay, longest chapter I've written. Pacing, what is that? I only hope I did Kurama some justice.
I realize I have a charater named Kaito, when there's one already in the canon and you know what: I've always liked the name. That's all.